Hakone is a town in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than 100 kilometers from Tokyo. Famed for its hot springs, natural beauty and views of Mount Fuji, Hakone is more than just a place to relax and admire the scenery. It is also a place to experience Japan’s rich history and local culture. From ancient shrines and castles to modern art museums and quirky attractions, join us as we explore Hakone and discover the secrets of this fascinating destination.
Photos by
JNTO, shutterstock.com
Hakone Yuryo, Hakone Open Air Museum
STAY
Yoshimatsu
This traditional, Japanese inn (ryokan) nestled in the picturesque town of Hakone is known for its serene ambiance and warm hospitality. Located near Ashi Lake, and with Mount Fuji standing tall in the background, the ryokan’s rooms are adorned with tatami mats, sliding paper doors (fusuma), and futon beds. Yoshimatsu also boasts natural hot spring baths (onsen) where visitors can unwind, or indulge in the kaiseki-style meals featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
Guesthouse Azito
Arguably the country to introduce small accommodation repackaged into something special, Japan’s capsule hotel scene is one that makes traveling the country so unique. Guesthouse Azito is located within walking distance from Hakone-Yumoto Station and offers you wooden sleeping boxes which might, unfortunately, be claustrophobic for some. But, if your constitution allows you to get past this, then once your legs have given up after hours of sightseeing, you might just find the cocoon-esque situation comfortable and inviting.
Omiya Ryokan
Operating since 1630, Omiya Ryokan is a traditional Japanese style inn which offers a budget-friendly environment, free parking and a hot spring bath. It is a registered cultural property of Japan and the inn has been featured in classic ukiyoe woodblock prints. A cozy place to stay in Hakone, the historic inn is close to some of the region’s top attractions such as the Tamasudare Shrine and the Shogenji Temple.
Hakone Highland Hotel
Easy to access from Hakone-Yumoto Station by bus, the hotel’s best part was the view, the Museum of Saint-Exupéry and The Little Prince across the Hayakawa River. The museum was dedicated to the author and his famous book and only a short walk from the hotel. The hotel also had a white hot spring bath with natural mineral water and the outdoor bath offers a view of the forest and the river. Hakone Highland Hotel is suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, and friends alike and is also close to many other attractions.
SHOP
Hakone Yosegi Zaiku
Hakone’s own marquetry technique is a captivating and intricate example of the traditional local handicrafts, drawing inspiration from the rich, natural resources of the area. The woodwork combines the natural colors of various trees found in the region, creating an elegant geometric design with diverse patterns such as the mesmerizing “Rokkaku-Asanoha” or the elegant “Shippou-Yabane”. Bring home a piece of this enchanting craftwork and let its beauty remind you of the great times you had in Hakone.
Delightful Treats
When it comes to delightful Hakone souvenirs, you are in for a treat. Hakone is known for mouthwatering pickles and snacks that everyone at home will be fond of, and the Chimoto store in sells high-quality wagashi (sweets) and unique mochi, called Yumochi, filled with gelatinous red bean paste or infused with the lovely scent of yuzu. In exploring the world of sour pickled plum products, from appetizers to plum jam, you will find that Hakone has something for every palate.
DINE
Hatsuhana Soba Honten
Hatsuhana Soba Honten is more than just a restaurant, it is a gateway to the unique and authentic flavors of Japan. We recommend travelers try the zaru soba (served cold) made with the finest, aromatically nutty buckwheat noodles, whose satisfying texture is complemented by a dipping sauce infused with soy, mirin, and dashi, to create a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds. Level up the zaru soba experience with grated daikon radish, sliced tamanegi, sprinkled nori, and crispy tempura.
Gora Kadan Kaiseki
Situated on the grounds of Kan’in-no-miya Villa, this ryokan blends Japanese tradition with a modern aesthetic. The seasonal and colorful ingredients carefully selected at Gora Kadan create an unforgettable kaiseki experience, different in every month. In addition, the restaurant also has special packages, including the Lunch and Spa Plan, or which can be combined with a beauty treatment plan.
Kappei Sushi
It is common to encounter a well-established restaurant in the form of a normal house in Japan, in fact, for many it is indicative of the country’s charm. Located near the Hakone Open-Air Museum, this cozy Japanese restaurant offers a delightful sushi experience. The delicious sushi processes and combinations have been inherited from previous generations with all of the recipes remaining a closely-guarded secret such as the one found in the Secret Special Inari sushi. Take-out service is also available.
Gora Brewery & Grill
Gora Brewery & Grill is a restaurant and brewery in Hakone that collaborates with famous chef Nobu Matsuhisa and offers some of his signature dishes and craft beers made from 100% natural water from Hakone. The menu has a unique design that mimics Hakone’s natural elements, such as volcanic rocks, fire, smoke, moss, and wood. The restaurant also has an outdoor terrace, a rock garden, and even a footbath for guests to enjoy. The restaurant is located near Gora station and is open from lunch to dinner.
DO
Hakone Free-Pass by Odakyu Railway
Basically, this is a discount pass for exploring the town, and tickets can be purchased in Shinjuku Station inclusive of a round-trip fee to the region, or inside the region (Odawara Station) for a cheaper price. The Hakone Free-Pass enables the wielder to access every single public transportation affiliated with Odakyu Railway including the bus service, train, ropeway, and even the exceptional Hakone Sightseeing Cruise.
Onsen Quest
Legend has it that a Buddhist monk opened the first onsen here in 738, during Japan’s Nara Period, and used the healing waters to care for the sick. Over the centuries, Hakone’s reputation as a therapeutic retreat grew, drawing visitors seeking relief from joint and muscle pain, cuts and burns, dry skin, insomnia, and blood circulation problems. Today, Hakone remains a beloved destination, welcoming millions of visitors annually to experience the rejuvenating effects of its onsen waters.
Art Museums
Hakone is nestled amidst the mountains and is a treasure trove of artistic wonders. From the Hakone Art Museum, which resides within the picturesque Shinsekyo Garden, to the Hakone Open-Air Museum that explores how sculptures dance with nature, to the Venetian Glass Museum which is surrounded by lush greenery and the first museum in the country dedicated to Venetian glass.
Geisha Houses
Hakone is a rare place in Japan, as there are still many geisha houses in the area. These houses provide guidance, training, and accommodation for geisha and lanterns in the Yumoto area bear the names of the geisha houses, each supporting and nurturing these skilled entertainers. While their numbers have decreased over the years, Hakone remains a vibrant hub for geisha culture, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Yunessun
A unique and fun place to enjoy the natural beauty and healing power of Hakone’s hot springs in a more festive way. What makes it special is that it also features various types of baths, slides, caves and saunas that cater to different preferences and ages. There were so many options to choose from, such as the wine bath, the coffee bath and the flowing pool to mention a few. The water park-esque Yunessun area allows guests to wear swimming suits, while the Mori no Yu area is where guests traditionally go in the nude. Tasty snacks and drinks are also served at the cafe.
Owakudani Crater
Owakudani is a volcanic valley in Hakone where the traces of the last eruption of Mount Hakone about 3000 years ago lies. Expect to see sulfurous fumes, hot springs, and hot rivers in the area, as well as the majestic sight of Mount Fuji in the northeast on clear days. One of the popular attractions in Owakudani is the black eggs, boiled in the high-sulfuric waters said by eating one will prolong one’s life by seven years. Owakudani is accessible by ropeway from Sounzan or Togendai stations, already included in the Free Pass.
Hiking Trails
Hakone is a popular destination for hiking, as it offers various trails with different levels of difficulty and scenery. The views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashinoko, hot springs, waterfalls, are on the list of what to encounter. Some of the popular trails are Mount Kintoki which starts from the Kintoki Shrine and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes round trip, Lake Ashinoko East Bank, a beginner’s hike that follows the shore of Lake Ashinoko where the famed Hakone Shrine lies on the way, and Old Tokaido Road which revisits a historic route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto.
The Great Outdoors
Hakone is the home of a vast grassland called Sengokuhara pampas fields. They are known for their stunning autumn views, when the tall pampas grass (susuki) turns from green to yellow to silvery gold. A trail lets you stroll through the fields and admire the sights of Mount Hakone and Mount Fuji on sunny days. You can reach the fields by bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station or Togendai Station.
Inspiring Shrines and Temples
Among the many attractions of Hakone, the shrines and temples offer a glimpse into the rich culture and spirituality of the region. Hakone Shrine is the most famous shrine in Hakone, located at the foot of Mount Hakone along the shore of Lake Ashinoko. The shrine is hidden in the dense forest, but its huge torii gates are visible from afar, one standing in the lake. Other famous places of worship include Choan-ji Temple, a home for hundreds of statues of Buddhist disciples, each with a different expression and pose and Kintoki Shrine which is a shrine that honors the legend of Kintaro.
Hakone-en Aquarium
Located in Hakone-en, a tourist area on the eastern side of Lake Ashinoko, the aquarium has a variety of marine animals from around the world, and a pirate ship that makes the experience more fun and exciting for families. The aquarium is divided into two main zones: the Sea of Japan Zone and the Tropical Zone. A replica of the Black Pearl from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies can be found in a large pool that has various sharks and rays. Hakone-en Aquarium is a wonderful place to visit for anyone who loves marine life and adventure.
